Bell’s hinged tortoise description

Bell’s hinged tortoise is a medium-sized tortoise whose common name derives from the unique, moveable ‘hinge’ at the rear of its elongated carapace (upper shell), which allows the tortoise to cover up its rear legs and tail when threatened (2)(4)(5). This species is one of only four tortoises in the world, all within this genus, to possess this unusual structure (2). The carapace of Bell’s hinged tortoise is domed, with sloping sides, and is quite variable in colour, though typically bears a pattern of yellow or reddish-brown scutes with dark brown or black edges (2)(3)(4). The lower shell, or plastron, is usually yellow with black radiations, while the limbs and tail are greyish brown, the tail ending in a claw-like tip (2)(3). The head, which is brown or black to yellow or tan in colour, is relatively small, with an upper jaw that may or may not be hooked (3). The male Bell’s hinged tortoise tends to be more faded in colour than the female and also has a larger tail and a concave plastron (2)(3)(4), while juveniles lack the distinguishing hinge of the adult’s shell (5).

Two subspecies of Bell’s hinged tortoise are usually recognised: Kinixys belliana belliana, which has five claws on each of its forefeet, and Kinixys belliana nogueyi, which has only four claws on each of its forefeet (3)(4)(6). Some also recognise a third subspecies, Kinixys belliana zombensis(6)(7), but others include this form with K. b. belliana(3).

Related species

Bell’s hinged tortoise biology

Bell’s hinged tortoise is active during the wet season, spending the dry season aestivating in a burrow or in the mud at the bottom of drying waterholes (3)(5). The diet is varied and includes vegetation, such as leaves, grasses and sedges, as well as fallen fruits, sugarcane, fungi, insects, millipedes, snails and even carrion(3)(5)(10). Breeding is thought to occur during the wetter months, when the female excavates a hole into which up to ten elongate, brittle-shelled eggs are laid (2)(3)(5). Laying can occur at 40 day intervals, up to 45 eggs being laid in total over the breeding season (2)(4). Incubation may last between 90 and 110 days, or possibly up to a year (4)(5). The hatchlings measure a mere four centimetres or so in length (3)(4)(5) and are often uniformly yellowish, reddish or olive brown in colour, or with dark brown scutes surrounded by yellow borders (3). Bell’s hinged tortoise can live up to 22 years in captivity (4)(5).

Bell’s hinged tortoise range

Bell’s hinged tortoise is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Eritrea and Somalia, and south to South Africa, and may have also been introduced to Madagascar (2)(3). K. b. belliana occurs in eastern Africa, from Somalia and Ethiopia to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and south to Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, as well as Madagascar, while K. b. nogueyi occurs in western Africa, from Senegal eastward to Cameroon and Central African Republic (3).

Species with a similar range

Bell’s hinged tortoise habitat

Savanna, savanna woodland, open grassland, coastal plain and dry brush (2)(3)(5), up to elevations of about 3,000 metres (8). In southern Nigeria, Bell’s hinged tortoise may also occur at the border between forest, Guinea savannas and forest-derived savannas, although it is apparently uncommon in these marginal habitats (9). The species tends to occur in areas which have distinct wet and dry seasons (3).

Species found in a similar habitat

Bell’s hinged tortoise status

Bell’s hinged tortoise threats

Bell’s hinged tortoise is actively hunted for food and for traditional medicine throughout its range (5), particularly in parts of Nigeria (11)(12), although in some areas it is traditionally venerated as a “holy animal” which brings happiness (11). Bell’s hinged tortoise may also be threatened by the pet trade. Although not generally recommended as a pet for beginners (6), bans on trade in European tortoises have meant that West African species such as Bell’s hinged tortoise have increasingly featured in the wild pet trade (13).

Bell’s hinged tortoise conservation

Bell’s hinged tortoise is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that international trade in Bell’s hinged tortoises should be carefully monitored and controlled (1). However, more research may be needed to better understand the ecology and conservation needs of Bell’s hinged tortoise, and to ensure that it is not being adversely affected by overhunting or collection for the pet trade. In particular, populations of Bell’s hinged tortoise in the Niger Delta in Nigeria are thought to be extremely threatened and in need of urgent conservation action (11).

Authentication

Glossary

Aestivate

To become dormant during the summer or dry season, analogous to hibernation in winter.

Carrion

The flesh of a dead animal.

Genus

A category used in taxonomy, which is below ‘family’ and above ‘species’. A genus tends to contain species that have characteristics in common. The genus forms the first part of a ‘binomial’ Latin species name; the second part is the specific name.

Incubation

The act of incubating eggs, that is, keeping them warm so that development is possible.

Scute

A large, bony plate or scale on the upper or lower shell of a turtle or tortoise.

Subspecies

A population usually restricted to a geographical area that differs from other populations of the same species, but not to the extent of being classified as a separate species.

Branch, B. and Branch, W.R. (1998) Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town.

Harris, M. (2002) Assessment of the status of seven reptile species in TOGO. Report to the Commission of the European Union. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Peterborough, UK. Available at: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=3379

Embed this ARKive thumbnail link ("portlet") by copying and pasting the code below.

Terms of Use - The displayed portlet may be used as a link from your website to ARKive's online content for private, scientific, conservation or educational purposes only. It may NOT be used within Apps.